ABA Rule of Law Initiative is a non-profit organization that implements legal reform programs in roughly 40 countries around the world. ABA ROLI has nearly 400 professional staff working abroad and in its Washington, D.C. office. ABA ROLI’s host country partners include judges, lawyers, bar associations, law schools, court administrators, legislatures, ministries of justice and a wide array of civil society organizations, including human rights groups.
JOB SUMMARY
ABA ROLI is recruiting for a Deputy Chief of Party for an upcoming project anticipated through the USAID-funded Human Rights Support mechanism, entitled Expanding Access to Justice (EAJ). EAJ seeks to achieve the goal of improved access to justice and mechanisms that address grievances throughout Somalia and/or Somaliland through the following three objectives: (1) Enhanced quality and reach of legal aid services; (2) Increased capacity and sustainability of legal aid organizations which enable them to undertake actions on behalf of their clients; and (3) Improved public access to legal information through research, analysis and policy interventions.
Underpinning EAJ is an affirmative mandate to empower women and vulnerable groups at the community level to navigate the pluralistic legal context and provide realistic options, including individual rights‐based solutions and remedies, which over time will contribute towards greater peace and stability in Somalia.
RESPONSIBILITIES
● Build the capacity of legal aid and paralegal networks in close collaboration with identified local partners and stakeholders, through assessment, mentoring, training and technical assistance;
● Design a contextually specific approach to legal aid that incorporates the use of formal and informal dispute resolution techniques, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and mediation;
● Develop strong working relationships with local governments and government officials, academic and professional institutions, non‐governmental institutions, and with other donors;
● Collaborate with the Chief of Party, DC-based team, and other key project staff to meet all agreed-upon objectives, deadlines, and other requirements as set by the donor.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Minimum eight (8) years of experience working closely with rule of law and justice institutions (formal and/or informal) in a developing country context, preferably in a post‐conflict and politically sensitive environments, especially in Africa;
● Experience in managing legal aid networks in countries with complex legal systems and customary law, preferably in Africa;
● Understanding and experience of using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, preferably in Islamic majority countries;
● Experience managing interdisciplinary and culturally diverse teams in centralized and remote locations;
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
● Appropriate and relevant university degree; and
● Fluency in written and spoken English
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to follow up with candidates who are selected for interviews. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and this position may be filled prior to the close date.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email a CV and cover letter to jobs@americanbar.org